Obituary of Hilda Lilian Bennett

Hilda Lilian Bennett (nee Owen), passed away at 97 years of age in London, Ontario at the University Hospital on February 10, 2024.

Hilda was born in North Bay, Ontario, on July 8, 1926. Her Father, Hugh James Owen, was born in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, England. Her mother, Alice Owen (nee Blackburn), was born in Leeds, England. The couple married on January 1^st, 1916, in North Bay, Ontario and Hilda was their third child. Hilda was predeceased by her three siblings – two older brothers Hugh Owen, Philip Owen and younger sister Muriel Flanigan (nee Owen).

After high school, she entered Nursing School in Toronto, Ontario and graduated as a Registered Nurse on February 11, 1949. While in Toronto, she met Donald Joseph Bennett, a World War II war hero and veteran. They were married on June 5, 1950.

Hilda had a passion for the outdoors, especially downhill skiing, and told many stories of her days and nights with friends and siblings at the North Bay Ski Chalet. Hilda had countless interests; she could spend hours listening to a Blue Jays baseball game while getting to know the details about the players. She reveled in learning about the world and felt so fortunate to have travelled to several places in the United States, all of the provinces, Europe, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and the Canadian Arctic. Hilda was fascinated by the people she met everywhere and had such ease with strangers. Hilda could talk with anyone! That talent of hers was evident in her role as a clerk at the old Sears in London; her clients intrigued her. Another of her interests was in reading books and chatting about them; she enjoyed a good mystery. Hilda liked the good things in life: love, laughter, good food, good people and of course good music…her favourites included Dean Martin, Sinatra, Como, Mathis, Peggy Lee and even Rod Stewart!

Mom loved her family and friends. She made sure her four boys and one girl received a safe and healthy upbringing. Her legacy is this love for her children.

Hilda was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Donald Joseph Bennett. She is survived by her sons, Don, Michael (Gabi), Paul (Jacqueline), Mark (Angela) and daughter Shannon (Louie). Hilda was the loving grandmother of Dominique Bennett, Nicolas Bennett, Colette Leung and Travis Leung. Hilda is the adopted grandmother to Christina and Joey Leung, children of Stephen and Dominique Leung.

The family will be honouring Hilda at a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army and will be greatly appreciated by the family.